Six Arkansas Communities Selected to Participate in Retail Academy Program

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (October 2, 2024) – The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has selected six Arkansas communities to participate in the 2024 Retail Academy program. The participating communities include Crossett, Hope, Marion, Morrilton, Newport, and Stuttgart.

The Retail Academy program provides rural communities with online education, market research, and technical assistance to assist them with recruiting retail opportunities to their region. The program provides local leaders with the resources and knowledge needed to recruit and support retail and restaurant businesses in their communities.

“Attracting retail opportunities is a key element for keeping our local communities growing and vibrant,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “The Retail Academy program will provide the resources and knowledge that local economic developers need to recruit retail companies to their communities.”

Retail Academy was developed by Retail Strategies, a Birmingham, Ala.-based municipal consultancy firm focused on retail recruitment and downtown revitalization, and will be administered by AEDC’s Community Development Division. Specific services and resources offered during Retail Academy include customized training, peer analysis, demographic overviews, a retail marketing guide, networking opportunities, and access to online courses.

“Clint O’Neal and his team at AEDC are committed to the growth and prosperity of rural Arkansas communities,” said Lacy Beasley, president of Retail Strategies. “Many deserving communities need better restaurants, grocery stores and shopping options but don’t have the tools or experience to effectively take a proactive approach to recruiting those businesses.  Retail Academy empowers community leaders with custom retail recruitment plans, training, and ongoing support to demystify the process so they can take action.”  

The 2024 Retail Academy program begins October 1 and runs through September 30, 2025.

ADDITIONAL QUOTES

“Crossett is looking forward to participating in the Retail Academy Program sponsored by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission,” said Mike Smith, executive director of the Crossett Economic Development Foundation. “We see this as an opportunity to network with other communities and to learn best practices from other successful practitioners who have successfully recruited new retail into their local economies.”

"Hempstead County Economic Development in partnership with the Hope Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to receive the Retail Academy grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission,” said Anna Lee Powell, president of the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation. “Education for our leaders in retail recruitment and data will play a crucial role in empowering our local businesses and retailers. This grant provides us with valuable tools and resources to strengthen the economic foundation of Hempstead County and ensure sustainable growth and opportunities for Southwest Arkansas. It’s a significant step toward rural development in Southwest Arkansas and enhancing opportunities for our regional economy."

“The City of Marion is excited to partner with Retail Strategies through the Retail Academy program,” said Beth Wilson, director of economic development for the City of Marion. “This opportunity will enhance our efforts to attract and support retail businesses in our community. We thank the Arkansas Economic Development Commission for awarding Marion the grant to participate in this initiative, which will help us drive economic growth and development.”

“Morrilton is so excited to have been chosen to participate in the Retail Academy program,” said Donnie Crain, president and CEO of the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce. “Retail is an important component of our larger community strategy – creating jobs, increasing our tax base, and enhancing our local quality of life. This program will allow us to better understand our community’s retail potential, attract new retail to complement our existing retailers, and develop a path for more success in the future.”

“The Newport Economic Development Commission is honored and excited to be part of this year’s group of communities selected to participate in the Retail Academy,” said Jon Chadwell, director of economic development for the Newport Economic Development Commission. “Our partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission continues to enrich Newport and Jackson County in so many ways.”

“We are thrilled to have been selected to participate in Retail Academy this year,” said Bethany Hildebrand, president and CEO of the Stuttgart Chamber of Commerce. “Our commitment to fostering growth in our Delta community motivates us daily. Accessing affordable training and tools has always been a challenge, and we believe Retail Academy will equip us with invaluable insights to enhance our local businesses and networks. We can't wait to get started!”

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About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission

At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit ArkansasEDC.com.